Mission
To be a trauma-informed environment where partners collaboratively investigate child abuse, families receive support and advocacy, and most importantly, the child’s words are always heard.
United Way of Northern Ozaukee-Funded Program: Child Advocacy Center
United Way of Northern Ozaukee was a strong community advocate for a local Child Advocacy Center. UWNO was one of three local United Ways that provided a grant to support and launch the regional center in 2017 to ensure that abused children have the support they need to heal. Lakeshore CAC provides trauma-informed care to children and families in Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Washington County. Services include expert medical exams, recorded forensic interviews, and advocacy and care for children suspected to be victims or witnesses to child abuse and other crimes.
More than 400 children walked through the center’s doors in 2019. Over half of those children were suspected victims of child sexual abuse, while the rest were affected by physical abuse, domestic violence, drug endangerment and neglect. Last year brought in nearly 350 forensic interviews and 100 medical exams – nearly doubling the numbers from 2018. With all of these faces, the unfortunate truth is that there are still many children the center is not reaching and simply cannot reach without help. Every dollar counts in the battle on child abuse.
Outcomes
- Reduce additional trauma to children and families.
- Increase resilience and long-term wellness for children and families.
To learn more about the Lakeshore Regional Childcare Advocacy Center, visit lakeshorecac.org.